Six WYFRS firefighters are taking on a gruelling challenge to raise money for two brilliant challenges close to their hearts. James, Adrian, Luke, Nathaniel, Dale and Alex, firefighters from Ilkley, Otley, Shipley and Huddersfield are taking on the Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge at the end of June, and if that’s not hard enough they are wearing their fire kit and breathing apparatus. Navigating 17 miles over steep terrain is gruelling enough but add in wearing 25kg of kit and the challenge becomes brutal!
They're raising money for two great causes, firstly Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association - who undertake mountain rescue around our operational area and are fundraising for a new swift water sled. They’re also supporting the Fire Fighters Charity who support firefighters and their families through injury, illness, and the mental toll of the job.
Firefighter Adrian Toye is one of those taking part- he says “Being a bit of a physical challenge junkie and having called on their services on numerous occasions during my career I always take up any opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the Fire Fighters Charity. Their support for me and my family has been immeasurable.
“In addition, my partner, Kate, and I have three children and as a family we have loved to get out in the Yorkshire Dales on multi-day hiking trips, camping expeditions and outdoor pursuits challenges. Interests the children have continued with into adulthood along with their own friends. Consequently, we are also all aware of the great service the Mountain Rescue team offer in the Upper Wharfedale region and I feel supporting them in this way is a privilege!
“I'm a regular runner but adapting my training for this challenge has been fun, albeit time consuming and sometimes difficult to fit in, with the demands of work, my commitment to Ilkley fire station RDS and family life in general.
“Having Rombald's Moor on my doorstep has helped considerably and my weekends over the last couple of months have consisted of hours of yomping with weighted backpack and plenty of water! This, along with multiple running and strength sessions during the week will hopefully condition me satisfactorily for the challenge ahead. I just hope it's not too hot on the day. The fire kit I'll be wearing isn't very forgiving, when trying to keep cool!”